By Kebba Jeffang in Kanifing Municipality – 5.15pm, 30 Dec. 2014
The operation of banks and other financial businesses in the Gambia
were ground to halt following shootings at state house
in Banjul in the wee hours of Tuesday, 30th December, 2014.
Visiting the business areas were the financial institutions are
situated in the Kanifing Municipality, this reporter observed that allbanks were closed with only their security personnel in sight.
At the Trust Bank in the Serekunda market all the doors were seen
locked and upon enquiry the security guard said, “we are not operating today.”
A customer was found there who came to make withdrawals. “I’m
desperately in need money but because of the incident I cannot make a
withdrawal as the bank is closed,” said the young man.
At Kairaba Avenue, where most if not all of the banks in the
country have branches, I found the place almost deserted. None of the
banks along the stretch opened and the reason being the same i.e. the
gunfire in Banjul.
While at the front of one of the banks, I found a desperate looking
European lady who was there for an appointment to conduct some
transactions.
Apart from the banks, other businesses such as supermarkets,
furniture, garment shops, etc. were also closed.
Local businesses were also affected as well as commercial vehicle
owners and drivers. One Alagie Ngum, a commercial vehicle
driver, who plies the Westfield-Brikama highway, said the incident has
affected their work as few people ventured out.
“You can even see the situation for yourself as the highway is empty
today compared to the other days and this is not good for our
business. Some people are panicky and do not want to go out of their
houses,” he lamented.
Ensa Jeng, a customer at the Serekunda market, said he came to do some
retail shopping for his shop but that the store where he usually buys
his commodities is closed.
The same situation obtained in Bakau, as businesses have also closed there.
The incident has some economic implications on many businesses as
yesterday was a lost day for all of them.]]>
